Ashley D’Arma
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
Dynamic Disability Support Worker with over five years of experience in adeptly applying behavioral support strategies and crisis intervention to enhance client wellbeing. Skilled in fostering inclusion and building trust, I empower individuals with complex needs to achieve greater independence and improved quality of life.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Disability Support Worker
Independent Disability Support Work
02.2021 - Current
- Provide one-on-one support for NDIS clients with complex needs, including intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions, by tailoring care plans and daily routines → builds independence and enhances quality of life.
- Apply Positive Behaviour Support strategies (structured routines, reinforcement techniques) to manage challenging behaviours → reduces escalation incidents and promotes stability.
- Maintain accurate case notes, incident logs, and handovers → ensures continuity of care and effective collaboration with allied health professionals.
- Facilitate client participation in community programs and social activities → strengthens confidence, reduces isolation, and supports reintegration.
Disability Support Worker
Inlife Independent Living
10.2022 - Current
- Deliver high-duty care, including hoist transfers, bowel care, and medication administration → safeguards client wellbeing and adherence to clinical standards.
- Use trauma-informed de-escalation techniques such as active listening and non-violent communication to support clients in distress → diffuses conflict and fosters safer, calmer environments.
- Navigate complex family dynamics with professionalism and consistent boundaries → builds trust and provides stability for clients in vulnerable situations.
- Document behavioural observations and shift outcomes in detail → supports data-driven care planning and more effective behaviour support strategies.
Support Carer
Care With Quality
05.2020 - 02.2023
- Provide compassionate care to clients with dementia and high-support needs → preserves dignity and improves comfort in daily living.
- Assist with ADLs such as meal preparation, grooming, and mobility → enables clients to maintain independence for as long as possible.
- Facilitate community outings and leisure activities → reduces social isolation and increases client engagement.
- Collaborate with nurses and case managers to adapt care plans → ensures holistic support and improved psychosocial outcomes.
Volunteer
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
07.2024 - Current
- Support participants with disabilities in therapeutic horse-riding programs → promotes confidence, coordination, and independence.
- Facilitate inclusive activities tailored to individual needs → enhances wellbeing and social connection.
- Work alongside instructors and volunteers to deliver safe, structured sessions → ensure a supportive environment that fosters community inclusion.
Education
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychology
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC03-2024
Diploma in Psychological Science - Psychology
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC10-2023
Cert III in Individual Support -
Warner Institute
Melbourne, VIC02-2022
Skills
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Mediation and relationship building
- Behavioral support strategies
- Experience with treatment plans
- Case management
- Goal planning
- Crisis intervention
- Incident response
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Resilience and composure
- Inclusion fostering
- Integrity and advocacy
Volunteer Experience
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Volunteer, 07/01/24, Present, Support participants with disabilities in therapeutic horse-riding programs → promotes confidence, coordination, and independence., Facilitate inclusive activities tailored to individual needs → enhances wellbeing and social connection., Work alongside instructors and volunteers to deliver safe, structured sessions → ensure a supportive environment that fosters community inclusion.
Accomplishments
- Career Ready Advantage Award Program
- InLife Independent Living - Epilepsy and Midazolam Course
- InLife Independent Living - Epilepsy and Midazolam Course
- HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aidc
Timeline
Volunteer
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
07.2024 - Current
Disability Support Worker
Inlife Independent Living
10.2022 - Current
Disability Support Worker
Independent Disability Support Work
02.2021 - Current
Support Carer
Care With Quality
05.2020 - 02.2023
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychology
La Trobe University
Diploma in Psychological Science - Psychology
La Trobe University
Cert III in Individual Support -
Warner Institute